Caberg Levo (Levante) Modular Helmet ECE 22.05 Non-DOT

[Stichill_imp]

Stichill, very cool. I've not heard of that brand. Congrats!

I did the same as you -- I purchased a Schuburth C3-Pro from a retailer in Italy, at a considerable, material discount vs. what they sell for in the U.S. As you, it arrived in just a few days. Without a DOT sticker. Otherwise, it's the exact helmet you can buy here (with the sticker).

Thanks, LR! Caberg is not well-known in the US because they eschew the DOT self-certification and thus are not actively marketed through the usual outlets here. I don't think the lack of DOT self-certification is because "it won't pass"; I think they just don't intend to distribute their portfolio in the US & Canada for valid reasons. Maybe our European members have a better impression of Caberg as a brand, but I can see scant difference between Caberg, Nolan, and AGV outside of price.

This new helmet seems to be very well-made from quality materials. It fits extremely well. Snug of course, as a new helmet is, but it passes the head-shake / chin bar yank test, no problem. I think I'm going to love the ratcheting chin strap vs. the D-ring on my old Arai...not to mention the amazing convenience of a modular with the flip-up chin bar and internal sun visor. I'm not giving up anything in weight: my Arai Vector-2 full-face was 3.53 lbs or 1601 g. The Levo is 1610 g +/- 50 g.

Other cool features: side channels for wearing glasses and comes with a Pinlock. I think I paid $400 for my Arai seven years ago and then had to pay another $150 for a Pinlock visor with a flip-up external sun visor. $550 for an entry-level Arai one-piece full-face with Pinlock + sun visor vs. $350 for this articulating modular with Pinlock + sun visor that weighs the same.

You can certainly score some great deals through Italian retailers! We seem to be suffering from a virtual wholesaler monopoly in the US that sets an unacceptably high standard retail price from most US outlets for European products. Buying from an Italian retailer circumvents that problem. The lack of VAT for US buyers is icing on the cake, even if you have to give much of that back in shipping. A buddy of mine got some amazing [url=https://www.kappamoto.com/?lingua_sito=en]Kappa ADV panniers for a ridiculous price at motorstorm.it.

Nice initial unbox coverage Stichill.

Now the hard part: Performance review. Would love to get your opinion.

I'd be curious how you might reference comparison metrics to another helmet make/model whom with many might be able to associate.

Example: The Caberg Levo wind noise level at 65 mph compared to Arai XC or Arai Vector-2, etc.

Thanks, GO! Wind noise is high on my list. The Arai Vector-2 is the only helmet I've ever had, and I've come to believe (based on the reports of others) that it may be one of the noisiest helmets on the market. The more I wear it the more obnoxious it seems to be. As soon as weather permits I will return with a subjectively comparative ride report. I will ride without a windscreen to simulate a CB1100.